NDP MPs back leader’s decision to investigate caucus colleague Erin Weir
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s decision to announce that he had appointed a third-party investigator to look into harassment allegations against NDP MP Erin Weir, and to remove the MP from caucus duties, was a “wise move,” “necessary,” and took the “right tone,” say caucus colleagues, though Mr. Weir has said he doesn’t know what is being […]
PM declaration on anti-Black racism big on talk, light on action, say politicos, observers
Current and former Black Parliamentarians say it’s better late than never that the prime minister last week announced Canada’s recognition of a UN decade for people of African descent, three years into it, but some observers say they’re disappointed with the government’s lack of action to rectify inequalities affecting Black Canadians. On the eve of […]
Famous Five bids farewell to dynamo Isabel Metcalfe at Rideau Club shindig, after 20 years of service
OTTAWA—It was a farewell shindig Famous Five Ottawa’s Isabel Metcalfe will never forget. Nearly 150 of her closest friends, political players, co-workers, and her family members gathered at the historic Rideau Club in Ottawa on Monday night to celebrate her 20 years of service and leadership for the group. The Famous Five Ottawa foundation, named […]
Kinsella’s ‘affidavits’ column prompts speculation, PM, party leaders asked about sexual conduct as #MeToo hits the Hill
In response to some criticism that he fanned the flames of Ottawa’s rumour mill in a column he penned featuring a sensational story of a “very powerful” politician who used affidavits to silence victims, Warren Kinsella says his assertions are true and he received so much reaction from people because they’ve heard “similar allegations.” “I […]
“What should be done to prevent sexual harassment by and among MPs and other Members of the Parliament Hill community?”
Cameron Ahmad Liberal strategist “Sexual violence and harassment of any kind are completely unacceptable in any workplace, and that of course includes Parliament Hill. That is why our government ran on a commitment to take action on workplace harassment and sexual violence in Parliament and in all federally regulated workplaces. “An important step in ensuring […]
NDP harassment probe shows perils of party discipline
What the heck is happening with Erin Weir and the NDP? NDP leader Jagmeet Singh held a press conference Feb. 1 to announce that there would be an independent investigation into allegations from a fellow caucus member that Mr. Weir, the NDP MP for Regina-Lewvan, had harassed women. So far, so good: kudos to the […]
#MeToo movement creating a ‘transformational change’ on Hill, inappropriate sexual conduct to be dealt with quickly and finally, say MPs, pundits
MPs say a “transformational change” is happening on the Hill, spurred by the recent “avalanche” of allegations of sexual harassment, harassment, and misconduct in Canadian federal politics, and some say they’re “terrified,” by the culture shift. “We’re certainly in a transformation moment, and to see it in the sports world, to see it in the […]
Racism is a health crisis
Lionel Desmond was a black veteran of the war in Afghanistan struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. In January of last year, after being unable to access the care he desperately needed, he killed his wife, daughter and mother before turning the gun on himself. We do not know to what extent the added stress of […]
For Ontario PCs, the sniff of power is more potent than the stench of scandal
OTTAWA—Not unexpectedly, the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario is reeling following the resignation of its leader Patrick Brown after sexual misconduct allegations were levelled against him. A few days later, another top PC Ontario executive, party president Rick Dykstra (a close friend of Brown), also stepped down, hours before Maclean’s magazine published a story concerning […]
‘Just the start’: more stories of sexual harassment expected to rock political Ottawa, say observers
More stories of sexual misconduct and harassment are bound to surface on Parliament Hill in the coming weeks and months, with highly-publicized allegations levelled against Patrick Brown and Kent Hehr giving renewed urgency to the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, according to former Hill staffers and political observers. “I certainly think it’s the beginning, not the […]
